[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             BAY COUNTY'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the Bay 
Area Women's Center of Bay City, Michigan for their diligence and 
dedication to educating the community on the devastating effects of 
domestic violence and for supporting numerous victims and their 
families. The month of October is National Domestic Violence Awareness 
Month. On Tuesday, October 5, 2004 the Bay Area Women's Center will 
host their annual vigil and awareness walk to show and renew their 
commitment to ending domestic violence.
  As we enter into National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge 
every community leader, resident, and law enforcement officer to come 
together and take a stance against this hideous crime not just during 
the month of awareness, but every day throughout the year. Countless 
lives are lost and homes are broken as result of this preventable 
crime. We as a community must educate ourselves on the warning signs. 
We must also be willing to alert the authorities before a situation 
becomes violent. Domestic violence is prevalent in all communities. It 
knows no status or ethnicity. This is a vicious crime sweeping our 
Nation with many victims too afraid or simply not aware they are 
victims until it is too late. I am thankful for the Bay Area Women's 
Center, for they are committed to helping people in crisis. They hold 
true to their philosophy that every individual maintains the right to 
live free of fear and violence. Survival of organizations such as this 
one is critical if domestic violence is to be an issue of the past. We 
must support these organizations and help them spread the word that 
domestic violence will not be tolerated. During the month of October 
renew your own commitment to stamping out domestic violence by first 
assuring that you or your loved ones are not falling prey to this 
repulsive crime.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 108th Congress to please join 
me in honoring the Bay City Women's Center for their tireless efforts 
in promoting domestic violence awareness and for providing a 
supportive, and non-judgmental environment to those who have become 
victims.

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